Memorial system, method and kit

ABSTRACT

A one-piece bronze memorial having a simulated granite border which form a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece, a method of installing the bronze memorial, and a kit that contains the memorial and a corrugated cardboard shape to pour a concrete base.

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/480,968 filed Jun. 23, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to cemetery memorials or grave markers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A grave marker memorializes the burial site of one or more individuals. Grave markers vary in size and design but are typically made from relatively permanent materials such as granite and/or bronze.

Traditionally, bronze memorials have been mounted into place via three methods:

-   -   A rectangular hole is dug out of turf, gravel lined and the         bronze memorial placed on top of the gravel (least used).     -   A rectangular hole is dug out of turf. A cement foundation is         poured into the hole and the bronze memorial is placed on top of         the cement.     -   A rectangular hole is dug out of turf. A cement pad is poured         into place. A granite base (approximately 4 inch thick is         industry standard) is attached to the memorial. The memorial         with granite is placed on cement pad and/or gravel. Topsoil is         filled back in to complete (more common and preferred method).         This method is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b.

There are disadvantages associated with the bronze memorial mounting method utilizing a granite base despite the desirable appearance of a granite border around the periphery of the bronze memorial. The weight of the granite base makes working with this material difficult and can contribute to the overall cost of producing, transporting and installing the grave marker. For example if a 48 inch by 18 inch piece of granite is used, it weighs approximately 400 pounds in addition to the 50 pounds for a 44 inch by 14 inch bronze memorial. OSHA specifies that high weights over 200 pounds require special equipment to handle.

Additionally, a granite base may result in uneven settling. When the granite base with the bronze memorial settles on the compacted gravesite, the base sometimes settles unevenly. Sometimes the granite will fracture due to settling.

Also, because the granite base/bronze memorial assembly is not unitary, occasionally, when the bronze memorial is not firmly attached into place on the granite, a gap appears between the granite and bronze memorial. Dirt and debris can settle in the gap creating an unsightly appearance.

As a result, it is desirable to have a grave memorial and method which overcomes the disadvantages of traditional bronze/granite memorials yet provides the aesthetics and decorum of the traditional grave markers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a one-piece bronze memorial having a simulated granite border which form a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece, a method of installing the bronze memorial and a kit that contains the memorial and a corrugated cardboard shape to pour the concrete base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is an exploded perspective view of the prior art bronze memorial with granite base;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the prior art bronze memorial mounted on a granite base;

FIG. 2 a a is an exploded perspective view of the bronze memorial system of the present invention with cardboard form before concrete is poured;

FIG. 2 b a is an exploded perspective view of the bronze memorial system of the present invention with cardboard form after concrete is poured;

FIG. 2 c a is a perspective view of the assembled bronze memorial system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a photograph of the assembled bronze memorial system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a close-up view of a corner portion of the bronze memorial of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a rear view of the bronze memorial of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 2 a-5, the bronze memorial of the present invention is a single piece of bronze 10 with a simulated granite base. In the illustrated embodiment, the bronze memorial includes a raised interior rectangular portion 12 having a beveled edge 14 and a simulated granite border portion 16 surround the beveled edge of the interior rectangular portion. The interior rectangular portion has identifying indicia 18 cast thereon identifying the individual that the memorial is in tribute to. Other information and ornamentation can be provided as well. On some versions, the interior rectangular portion also has a through hole 20 formed completely through the bronze memorial for receiving a bronze vase 22. While the interior rectangular portion is shown having a beveled edge, many other decorative edges could be used. The bronze memorial further preferably includes brass studs 28 which may be screwed into screw holes (FIG. 5) provided on the bottom surface for securement purposes.

The border portion is painted to simulate granite. The granite color is custom painted by combining different colors to achieve the granite look. Then the entire memorial and simulated granite surround is coated with Matthews' Diamondshield, a clear protective coating.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interior rectangular portion has the dimensions of 24 inches by 14 inches. The simulated granite border portion is 2 inches wide. The entire bronze memorial is 28 inches by 18 inches. The measurements of the memorial are approximately ¼ inch deep from top surface of the interior rectangular portion to the simulated granite border portion. The simulated granite border portion is approximately ¼ inch deep. These dimensions may vary from design to design.

The method of installing the bronze memorial system of the present invention is also shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. A 4 inch deep rectangular hole is dug out of turf and a U-shaped cardboard form 24 is inserted into the hole, concrete 26 is poured into the cardboard form 24 and the bronze memorial having a simulated granite border is placed on top of the wet concrete. The protruding brass studs 28 are embedded within the concrete. The concrete is allowed to dry/cure, thus forming a poured/attached foundation.

A kit for the bronze memorial system of the present invention includes the bronze memorial of the present invention having a simulated granite border, mounting studs and the cardboard form.

Although the present invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A grave memorial comprising: a bronze memorial and a simulated granite border which form a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece.
 2. The method of installing a bronze memorial comprising: digging a hole out of turf and inserting a form therein; pouring concrete into the form; placing a one-piece bronze memorial having an integral simulated granite border, which form a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece, on top of the wet concrete; and allowing the concrete to dry.
 3. A kit for a bronze memorial system comprising: a one-piece bronze memorial and a simulated granite border which form a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece; mounting studs; and a cardboard form. 